Earthquake Preparedness

 

                                                                                                                                   

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 

       

 

 

         

 

 

 

DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE R E S E A R C H & E X T E N S I O N

University of Arkansas System

Agriculture and Natural Resources

FSA9600

Earthquake Preparedness

Ples Spradley

Associate Professor ­ Pesticide Safety Education

Arkansas Is

Our Campus

Visit our web site at: http://www.uaex.edu

This  fact  sheet  will  help  you  plan  for  and  survive  a  major  earthquake.  It  tells  you what  to  do  before,  during  and  after  the  quake  to  lessen  the  impact  on  your  family and your home.

One of the worst earthquakes in recent history occurred along the New Madrid Fault in the winter of 1811­1812. This fault zone is of great concern to Arkansans because of the amount of damage that will result should another quake occur.

Geologists predict that the chances of another major earthquake in the area are quite high. Being prepared can lessen the impact.

Be prepared to be self­sufficient for at least three days after the quake. Following are precautions to be taken before, during and after the earthquake.

Before the Quake

1. Conduct a hazard hunt. Some possible hazards include: • Tall, heavy furniture which

could topple, such as book­ cases, china cabinets or modular wall units.

• Appliances which could move enough to rupture gas or electrical lines.

• Hanging plants in heavy pots that could swing free of hooks. • Heavy picture frames

or mirrors over the bed. • Latches on kitchen or other

cabinets which will not hold the door closed during shaking. • Breakables or heavy objects

that are kept on high or open shelves.

• A masonry chimney that could crumble and fall through an unsupported roof.

• Flammable liquids like painting or cleaning products that would be safer in a garage or outside shed. • Hot water

heaters which can be pulled away from pipes and rupture. To avoid damage, secure your water heater by strapping it to the wall.

• Anything that can move, break or fall when your house starts to shake.

Take steps to correct these hazards. Secure or relocate heavy items.

2. Teach responsible members of your family how to turn off elec­ tricity, gas and water at main switch and valves. Caution: Do not shut off gas unless an emergency exists. If gas is ever turned off, remember that all pilot lights must be relit. Call your utility company.

                                                        

Label  water  shutoff valve,  found  where water  enters  the  house. Also  label  main  water shutoff  valve,  found with  meter  in  a  concrete box  away  from  the house.

3. Family  Earthquake Drill –  It’s  important  to

know  where  you  should  go  for  protection  when your  house  starts  to  shake.  By  planning  and  prac­ ticing  what  to  do  before  an  earthquake  occurs, you  can  condition  yourself  and  your  family  to  

react  correctly  and  spontaneously  when  the  first  jolt or  shaking  is  felt.  An  earthquake    drill  can  teach  your family  what  to  do in  an  earthquake.

• Each  family  member  should  know  the  safest and  most  dangerous  spots  in  each  room. • Safe  spots:  The  best  places  are  under

supported  archways,  against  inside  walls  and under  heavy  pieces  of  furniture  like  a  desk  or sturdy  table.

• Danger  spots:  Stay  away  from  windows, hanging  objects,  mirrors,  fireplaces  and  tall, unsecured  furniture.

• Reinforce  this  knowledge  by  physically placing  yourself  in  the  safe  location.  This  is especially  important  for  children.

• In  the  days  or  weeks  after  this  exercise,  hold surprise  earthquake  drills.  Call  out  “earth­ quake”  and  have  each  family  member  respond by  moving  to  the  safest  place.

• Be  prepared  to  deal  with  what  you  may experience   after  an  earthquake  –  both physically   and  emotionally.

• Establish  a  point  of  contact  for  separated family  members.

The  map  predicts  damage

c orresponding  to  Roman  numerals on  the  Modified  Mercalli  Scale  in  an 8.6  earthquake.  If  an  earthquake  is around  7.16  on  the  Richter  scale, reduce  the  zone  Roman  numerals  by one.  For  example,  substitute  X  for  XI in  Mississippi  and  Crittenden counties  and  read  the  damage on  the  Modified  Mercalli  Scale under  X.  If  the  earthquake  is a  6.6,  then  reduce  the  zone numeral  by  two.  For  example, Mississippi  and  Crittenden  coun­ ties  would  experience  damage listed  under  IX  on  the  Modified Mercalli  Scale.

and

badly  designed  structures.  Chimneys broken.  Felt  in  moving  automobiles.

Vlll   Some  damage  even  in   buildings

of  good  design  and  construction. Considerable  damage  in  ordinary buildings,  with  some  collapsing.

considerable in poorly built or and

monuments  and  walls.  Heavy  furniture  overturned.  Sand  and  mud ejected  in  small  amounts.  Changes in  well  water.  Hinders  driving of automobiles.

factory chimneys, columns,

frame  structures  destroyed together  with   foundations.  Ground cracked  causing  damage,  rails  bent, slopes  and  embankments  slide, water  surface  rises.

X Wooden houses of good

damaged.

IX Damage considerable in

buildings of good design and construction. Structures

thrown out of alignment with foundations. Ground

cracked conspicuously. Underground pipes design and construction collapse. Most masonry and

Modified  Mercalli  Intensity Scale

VI People  are  frightened  and

run  outdoors.  Heavy  f urniture may  be  moved;  some  instances of  fallen  plaster  and  toppling  of chimneys.  Slight  damage.

VII Everybody  runs  outdoors.

Damage  is  negligible  in  buildings  of good  design  and  construction,  slight to  moderate  in  ordinary  structures 

XI   Almost  all  masonry  structures

collapse,  bridges  destroyed,  fissures over  entire  surface  of  ground.  Under­  ground  pipelines  completely  out  of service.  Earth slumps  and  land  slips in  soft  ground.  Rails  bent  prominently. Great  damage  In  poorly  constructed

buildings.  Panel  walls  thrown  out  of frame  structures.  Falling  of  houses  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

4. Make  sure  you  have  emergency  supplies  on  hand. • Flashlights with spare batteries. Secure a

flashlight to your bed. Do not use matches or candles after an earthquake until you are certain no gas leaks exist.

• Portable radios, cellular phones and laptop/tablet computers may be your best sources of information and communication. Make sure to have spare batteries or external recharging accessories for your devices. • First aid kit; first aid skills – Have a first

aid book such as Standard First Aid and

Personal Safety by the American National

Red Cross. Take basic Red Cross first aid and CPR courses.

• Fire extinguishers. Keep a Class ABC fire extinguisher handy for small fires.

• Food. It’s always a practical idea to keep a supply of nonperishable food on hand which can be rotated into your diet and replenished on a regular basis. Have a sufficient supply of canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk and canned juices for at least two weeks. Dried cereals and fruits and non­salted nuts are a good source of nutrition.

• Water should be stored in airtight containers approved for food contact and replaced every six months. Store at least enough water per person for a two­week period. Also have purification tablets such as Halazone and Globaline, but read the label on the bottle before using tablets. Liquid household bleach can also be used to purify water. Use

5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite (liquid household bleach, not fresh or lemon scent) in the following amounts for cloudy water: 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons of water, 16 drops per gallon of water or 4 drops per quart. The amounts can be reduced by one­half for clear water. Water from an undamaged water heater could be a good source of water. • Special items. Have at least a two­week

supply of medications and special foods needed for infants or those on limited diets. Be sure to check with your physician or phar­ macist about how long these medications can be stored and still remain effective.

• Tools. Pipe wrench and crescent wrench for turning off gas and water mains.

During the Earthquake

1. Stay as calm as possible. Remaining calm will help you control your situation, and others that are with you will be less likely to panic. They will draw courage from you and lessen the chances of injury.

2. Ride out the earthquake. During a major

earthquake, you may hear a roaring or rumbling sound that gradually grows louder and feel a rolling sensation that starts out to be gentle and within a second or two grows violent and knocks you off your feet OR you may be jarred first by a violent jolt – as though your house was hit by a truck. A second or two later you’ll feel the shaking and you’ll find it very difficult to stand up or move from one room to another.

The rumbling and rolling may frighten you, but the whole tremor will only take a minute or two. Remember, the myths about the earth opening up and swallowing you are NOT true. Injuries are not caused by the earthquake itself, but by falling objects. Try TALKING yourself through the earth­ quake to relieve the stress and provide a calming effect for other members of your household.

• If you are indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table or in a corner like you practiced in your drills. Remember, stay clear of windows, book­ cases, china cabinets, mirrors and fireplaces until the shaking stops.

• If in a high­rise building, get under a desk, stay away from windows and outside walls. Stay in the building on the same floor. Don’t be surprised if the electricity goes out or if elevator, fire alarm or sprinkler systems go on. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS!

• If you happen to be in the kitchen, turn off the stove at the first sign of shaking and quickly take cover under a counter or table.

• If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doorway since other people are going to have the same idea. Move away from display shelves containing objects that may fall.

• If you are outside, get into the open away from buildings, trees, walls and power lines.

• If you are in your car, pull to the side of the road and stop the car. Do not park under overpasses or power lines. Stay in your car until the earthquake is over. If the earthquake has been severe, do not attempt to cross bridges or overpasses. They may have been damaged.

PROCEED WITH CAUTION WHEREVER YOU ARE. The possibility of encountering FALLEN POWER LINES is great. If you are in your car, you will most likely be protected from the live wires, unless you touch grounded metal. If you are on foot, make a wide path around the wires. NEVER assume downed power lines are dead – or YOU may be! People, metal and damp objects are good electrical conductors. To avoid shock and serious burns, STAY WELL AWAY! A wrong move trying to rescue someone else COULD KILL YOU!

After  the  Quake

1. Check  for  injuries.

• If  anyone  has  stopped  breathing,  give  mouth­ to­mouth  resuscitation.  Stop  any  bleeding injury  by  applying  direct  pressure  to  the wound.  Do  not move  seriously  injured  people unless  they  are  in  immediate  danger  of further  injury.  Cover  injured  persons  with blankets  to  keep  them  warm.

• Do  not  use  the  telephone  unless  there  is  a severe  injury.  For  more  detailed  emergency procedures,  consult  your  first  aid  manual found  in  your  standard   first  aid  kit. • Wear  shoes  in  areas  near  fallen  debris  and

broken  glass. 2. Check  for  hazards.

• Put  out  small  fires,  if  possible.  If  not,  get  out immediately.  Alert  your  neighbors.

Three  Day  Survival  Pack

Standard  First  Aid  Kit First  aid  manual Aspirin  or  pain  relievers Laxatives Rubbing  alcohol Diarrhea  medicine Petroleum  jelly Soap Salt Matches Gauze Needles Bandaids Tweezers Heavy  string Syrup  of  ipecac Elastic  bandage

Individual  medical  needs Small  splints,  popsicle  sticks

Triangular  bandage  (36"  x  36"  x  52") Sanitary  napkins  (pressure  dressing)

Disposable  diapers  (dressing/splint/padding) Micropore  adhesive,  paper  tape

Baking  soda  (1/2  teaspoon  soda  +

1 teaspoon  salt  +  1  quart  water  for  shock)

Cotton  balls Cotton  swabs Safety  pins Scissors Thermometer Food Can  opener

Three­day  supply  of  food  requiring  no  refrigeration. Date  all  food  items.  Write  out  a  menu  for  each  day.

Examples

Commercially  canned  meat  and  food  (1/2  lb/person) Nonfat  dry  milk  (1/2  lb/person)

Graham  crackers  (1/2  lb/person) Dried  apricots  (1/2  lb/person) Canned  orange  or  tomato  juice Peanut  butter  (1/2  lb/person)

(Supplies  daily  2,100  calories  and  essential  nutrients.) Water  (1/2  to  1  gal/person  per  day).  Store  separately. Bedding Sleeping  bag/blankets Plastic  sheets/tarp Clothing One  change/person Personal  Supplies Toiletries Towel Good  book Paper/pencil Infant/Children’s  Needs if  applicable

Fuel  and  Light Matches Candle Signal  flare

Sterno  canned  heat Equipment Can  opener Dishpan Dishes  (disposable) Utensils  (disposable) Axe Shovel

Bucket  (plastic  bag  liners) Money

Other

Water  purification  tablets Liquid  chlorine/bleach Eyedropper

• Check  gas,  water  and  electrical  lines  and  appliances  for  damages.  If  you  smell  gas  or see  a  broken  line,  shut  off  all  utilities.  Do  not switch  on  the  gas  or  electricity  again  until the power  company  has  first  checked  your home.  Do  not  search  for  gas  leaks  with  a lighted  match.

• Do  not  use  electrical  switches  or  appliances  if gas  leaks  are  suspected  because  sparks  can ignite  gas  from  broken  lines.

• Do  not  touch  downed  lines  or  broken a

  ppliances.

• Clean  up  spilled  medicines,  bleaches,  gasoline and  other  flammable  liquids.

• Check  to  see  that  sewage  lines  are  intact before  using  the  toilet.  Plug  bathtub  and  sink drains  to  prevent  sewage  backup.

• Check  food  and  water  supplies.  If  water  is  cut off,  use  emergency  water  supplies  found  in water  heaters  and  melted  ice  cubes. • Check  the  building  for  cracks  and  damage,

particularly   the  chimneys  or  masonry  walls.

Do  not  use  fireplaces  unless  the  chimney  is undamaged   and  without  cracks.

• Check  closets  and  cupboards.  Open  doors cautiously.  Beware  of  objects  tumbling off shelves.

• Use  charcoal  broilers  for  emergency  cooking, ONLY  OUT  OF  DOORS.

• Be  prepared  for  aftershocks.  These  are usually  smaller  than  the  main  quake,  but some  may  be large  enough  to  do  additional damage  to  structures   weakened  during  the main  shock.

• Do  not  use  your  vehicle  unless  there  is  an emergency  .  Do  not  go  sightseeing  through badly  damaged  areas.  You  will  only  hamper the  relief  effort.  Keep  streets  clear  for  the passage  of  emergency   vehicles.

For  more  information  on  earthquake  hazards  and ways  to  reduce  risk,  contact  the  Arkansas  Depart­ 

ment  of  Emergency  Management,  Building  9501,

Camp  Joseph T.  Robinson,  North  Little  Rock, Arkansas  72199.  Phone:  501­683­6700. http://www.adem.arkansas.gov/aem/

       

The  original  publication  (Fact  Sheet  S107)  was  compiled  and  adapted  for  Arkansas  by  the  Earthquake  Preparedness

Committee  –  Bringle  Jennings,  Chairman,  Wallace  Cummings,  Jimmie  Lee  Edwards,  Mike  Hedges,  James  Peachey,

Mark Peterson, Carol Reiner, Glenda Rushing and Eleanor Walls.

Printed  by  University  of  Arkansas  Cooperative  Extension  Service  Printing  Services.

PLES  SPRADLEY  is  associate  professor  ­  pesticide  safety  education,

Department  of  Plant  Pathology,  University  of  Arkansas  System  Division of  Agriculture,  Little Rock.

Issued  in  furtherance  of  Cooperative  Extension  work,  Acts  of  May  8  and June  30,  1914,  in  cooperation  with  the  U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture, Director,   Cooperative   Extension   Service,   University   of   Arkansas.   The University   of   Arkansas   System   Division   of   Agriculture   offers   all   its Extension  and  Research  programs  and  services  without  regard  to  race, color,   sex,   gender   identity,   sexual   orientation,   national   origin,   religion, age,   disability,   marital   or   veteran   status,   genetic   information,   or   any other   legally   protected   status,   and   is   an   Affirmative   Action/Equal Opportunity  Employer.